Operational Risk and Organisational Resilience
How to Build Strong Structures in an Unstable World – Practical Risk Management and Business Continuity
ROO 2025 - CONFERENCE
Limited availability. Registration open until May 28, 2025.
About the Conference
The first conference of its kind in Poland
Join us for an exclusive gathering of experts from Poland and the UK, dedicated to the practical application of international standards in risk management and building organisational resilience. This event will address the critical challenges faced by businesses, humanitarian missions, field operations, and media professionals operating in dynamic and high-risk environments.
In today’s world, marked by increasing geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, and operations conducted in conflict zones, organisations operating locally and globally require more than just standard security – they need robust operational resilience.
EPM Global, a leading authority in international risk management, proudly presents Poland’s first conference focused on the practical implementation of global security standards.
This conference is designed for security professionals, operational leaders, project managers working in international contexts, representatives from NGOs, media personnel, and organisations operating in volatile regions.
Expert Insights: Presentations by internationally recognised professionals with hands-on experience in conflict zones.
Strategic Discussions: Panel sessions on building operational resilience in crisis scenarios.
Best Practices and Case Studies: Real-world examples of effective risk management and continuity planning.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders from security, risk management, medical support, and operational logistics sectors.
Elevate your knowledge, expand your network, and gain insights into the most effective strategies for managing risk and maintaining continuity in today’s unpredictable world.
The conference aims to:
01
Connecting Experts from Poland and Abroad
Creating a platform for sharing experiences and fostering collaboration between specialists from diverse sectors – from business to humanitarian operations.
02
Present Practical Tools for Enhancing Security
Showcase proven solutions and procedures that improve operational effectiveness in challenging and dynamic environments.
03
Initiate a New Risk Management Culture in Poland
Encourage institutions and companies to adopt modern safety standards and organisational resilience practices.
04
Harness the Potential of Veterans in the Private Sector
We promote a model of integrating veterans into the operational and advisory services market, building a bridge between the experience gained in service and the needs of the modern business world, media, and humanitarian organisations.
Who is this event for?
Operational Directors, Project Leaders, Logistics Managers
NGOs, Humanitarian Workers, International Organisations
Journalists, Producers, Fixers, Field Media
Former Soldiers and Officers Seeking to Enter the Private Sector
Individuals Responsible for Security and Business Continuity in Organisations
Conference Program
09.15 – 09.45
Registration and Networking
10:00 – 12:30
Presentations and Interactive Q&A
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 15:00
Expert Panel Discussion
15:00 – 16:00
Networking and Closing
Meet the
Speakers
Damian Zielinski
Managing Director, Founder of EPM Global and secUNITY
With over 18 years of experience in the security industry, Damian specialises in developing and implementing strategic security solutions. His expertise in risk management has been honed through advanced training programs and over a decade of hands-on experience in complex operational environments.
Throughout his global deployments, Damian has built an extensive international network, delivering specialised training to both private and governmental sectors. He has worked alongside security and management teams worldwide, overseeing operations in more than 45 countries, including high-risk and hostile environments. His ability to provide risk mitigation strategies has been instrumental in supporting corporate clients and NGOs. A trusted security advisor, Damian has extensive experience working with high-net-worth families, ensuring their safety through tailored security solutions.
Prof. Phil Wood MBE
International Expert - Security Risk Management & Resilience
Architect of Global Security Risk Management (SRM) Standards Professor Phil Wood MBE has nearly 40 years of experience in the fields of security and risk management, gained through his service in the British Army, as well as his work in the private sector and academia. As a lecturer and university faculty member specialising in security and risk management, he has been instrumental in shaping global standards in these areas.
Over the years, he has made a significant contribution to the development of educational programs and has also worked as a security and risk management specialist in government projects.
During his academic career, he served as the Dean of the School of Aviation and Security at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). In this role, he collaborated with international organizations, leading to the launch of public master’s programs in aviation security in partnership with ICAO – the UN agency responsible for global aviation regulations.
Professor Wood actively supports military veteran initiatives, and under his leadership, BNU received the UK Ministry of Defence Gold Award for outstanding support to former soldiers. His approach focuses on ensuring equal opportunities and tailored support rather than providing special privileges.
Currently, he is a recognised expert in security management, an advisor on the development of education and training, and an advocate for raising standards in the security and resilience industry.
John Heron
NGO & Media Safety Expert - EPM Global Consultant
Expert in Operational Security and Risk Management in High-Risk Areas John Heron has over 25 years of experience in special operations and security management within the most challenging environments. He served for 16 years in the elite SAS Regiment, concluding his military career as a Warrant Officer in the unit's training wing. After transitioning to the civilian sector, he took on protective and advisory roles, including assignments for the British Embassy in Baghdad and within the media and humanitarian sectors. Renowned for his expertise in high-risk security operations, John brings a wealth of knowledge from both military and civilian contexts, making him a trusted advisor in managing security challenges in volatile regions.
As an independent security advisor, John has supported some of the world’s leading media organisations, including BBC, SKY NEWS, Channel 4, Channel 9, ITN, CBC, and ABC Australia, as well as numerous NGOs. His work has taken him to high-risk zones such as Libya, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Mexico, Ukraine, and Mozambique.
Currently, he specialises in developing and implementing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies that include preliminary reconnaissance and intelligence analysis, design and implementation of security protocols, operational support during missions, post-mission analysis and advisory services
John also leads specialised training for journalists, NGOs, and field workers, preparing them to operate safely in conflict and destabilised regions. His practical expertise and hands-on approach make him a sought-after advisor for organisations facing complex security challenges.
Dr. Magdalena El Ghamari
PhD in Social Sciences - International Consultant
An internationally recognised expert in defence studies and risk management, specialising in high-risk environments and cultural security. With a PhD in Social Sciences and nearly a decade of academic and practical experience, she has made significant contributions to security training and consultancy. As a Visiting Professor and a member of multiple international advisory boards, she combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise in terrorism, radicalisation, and operational strategies in diverse cultural contexts.
An independent consultant and trainer, she has collaborated with international organisations such as KFOR, EULEX Kosovo, FRONTEX, CEPOL, and UNESCO, delivering specialised training for military, police, and humanitarian personnel operating in complex environments.
Will Edin
Founder and CEO of HotSpot Cover
Founder and President of HotSpot Cover, an international insurance company specialising in protecting individuals working in conflict and war zones. He is also a key influencer in the field, focusing on delivering innovative insurance solutions for global corporations. His expertise includes risk management consultancy in extreme risk areas as well as Insurtech insurance for the shared economy, travel, parametric insurance, airline insolvency, and linked insurance solutions.
He has proven record in delivering specialised insurance solutions for MGAs, the expatriate benefits market, the maritime security sector, and contractors operating in war zones. He was responsible for one of the largest war risk insurance policies of its kind, placed with Lloyd’s.
Will has established several rescue and evacuation facilities, which included managing critical services as part of a crisis risk management team. His responsibilities covered the oversight and execution of crisis support.
He also developed an automated solution for pricing and issuing evacuation and crisis response policies tailored for high-risk areas. This solution serves both B2C and B2B clients, with the ability to issue policies for (almost) all countries worldwide.
Discussion Panel
Conference participants will have the opportunity to take part in a discussion panel aimed at exploring the development of an organisational culture based on proactive prevention rather than reaction, in line with international risk management standards. The discussion will also focus on challenges and solutions related to training, veteran recruitment, and supporting security personnel in organisations operating in unstable regions.
The panel will feature our speakers, along with representatives from NGOs, business, and media, whose profiles are listed below.
01
Wojciech Grzędziński
An award-winning photojournalist and conflict documentarian with extensive experience covering war zones, including Ukraine, Iraq, Sudan, and Afghanistan. Former official photographer to the President of Poland (2011–2015).
Recognised with prestigious awards such as World Press Photo, Grand Press Photo (Photo of the Year: 2022, 2023, 2024), Visa D’Or, and numerous others. Active as a jury member for international photography competitions.
A recipient of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Scholarship (MKiDN) and a member of ZPAF (Association of Polish Art Photographers).
02
Łukasz Szozda
Security Manager at the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) with over 20 years of experience in the security sector, including roles at the National Security Bureau, Intelligence Agency, PCPM, and IRC.
Specialises in crisis management and pre-operational training, with mission experience in over 10 countries. Provides expert support in risk assessment, security planning, and team preparation for high-risk environments.
03
Bartosz Pastuszka
Founder of IBBC Group and CEO of NaviRisk.
Former Director of Pinkerton in Poland and CEE. An investor in technological solutions for cybersecurity and brand protection, including the development of CyberPrevent Solutions and the Background Screening System.
Partner at the Crisis Legal Solutions law firm, member of ASIS Poland, and actively involved in the Ukrainian market as Managing Partner of SecUA.
04
Aleksander Olech
Head of International Cooperation at Defence24.
Lecturer at national and international universities, NATO collaborator, analyst, and publicist.
Former Deputy Director of the Africa and Middle East Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In recent years, has worked with NATO ENSEC COE, NATO StratCom, NATO CCD COE, and NATO COE DAT.
Graduate of the European Academy of Diplomacy and the War Studies University.
Register for the
Conference
Fill out the form to reserve your spot. You will receive confirmation and further information via email.
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